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Shaw Chaplains mark Ash Wednesday

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  "By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return," Genesis 3:19.

Feb. 14 marks the beginning of the Season of Lent practiced by many Christians, to include Roman Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox. This period is observed to acknowledge regret for sins and to recognize the sacrifices that Jesus Christ made. Shaw Chaplains ensured Airmen were able to participate, even making sure to go out into exercise Weasel Victory 13-03 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

"The longest journey is not to Korea or a remote assignment, it's to the center of your own heart," said Father Richard Fitzgerald, 20th Fighter Wing Chaplain. "Ash Wednesday is an invitation to make that long journey, to go deep within. To not only get in touch with your sinfulness and brokenness, but how God is there to forgive, empower and to lead one to fullness of life."

The ashes are a sign that without God, all we really are is just dust, added Fitzgerald.

"To me, as a Catholic, the Season of Lent is a time to show penance for the sins we have made, and reflect on the sacrifices Jesus has made for us," said Senior Airman Rachelle Nielsen, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron aerospace and operation technician. "It's a way for us to not only reflect on our religion, but our life. Things like food and other items in your life can take over your daily actions. Yet during lent, this is a time to show you are able to control your life and food, which can be restricted and controlled."

About 500 members of Team Shaw participated in Lent in 2012, said Fitzgerald. A major component of that participation includes practicing self-discipline and spiritual growth by sacrificing things such as meat, soda, cursing, etc. The purpose of making these sacrifices is to understand sacrifice Jesus made.

"I was raised Catholic," explained Senior Airman Johnny Hakim, 20th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy journeyman and vault custodian. "My family and I would give up meat on Fridays. My father gave up meat for the whole 40 days."

The purpose of fasting is to empty one's self to show only God may fill us, explained Fitzgerald. It creates discipline and spiritual guidance.

"This year I've given up chocolate, coffee, meat and swearing," said Hakim. "Temptations are always knocking, and to not give in shows an individual's willpower."